the word 'spokeswoman' is a modern english compound formed by analogy with the older term 'spokesman'. its first element, 'spoke', derives from the past participle of the verb 'to speak', which has germanic roots tracing back to proto-germanic 'sprekaną'. the '-s' is a fossilized genitive ending, common in english compounds like 'craftsman', originally denoting 'of speaking' or 'for speaking'. the second element, 'woman', originates from old english 'wīfmann', literally meaning 'female human'. thus, the compound logically constructs the meaning as 'a woman who speaks (on behalf of others)', with the structure solidifying in the late 19th century to provide a gender-specific counterpart to 'spokesman'.

Structure: spoke (speak) + s (genitive/associative) + woman (adult female human) - spoke: from middle english 'spoke', past tense of 'speken' (to speak). origin: old english 'sp(r)ec', of germanic origin; related to dutch 'spreken' and german 'sprechen'. functional role: verb root indicating the act of speaking. - s: a genitive or associative suffix in english, originating from old english '-es', used to form possessive and descriptive compounds. functional role: linking element indicating relationship or association. - woman: from old english 'wīfmann' (wife-man), a compound of 'wīf' (woman, wife) and 'mann' (human being, person). functional role: noun root specifying gender.